A number of Butler families living in County Wexford Ireland during the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th centuries were descendants of Richard Butler 1st Viscount Mountgarrett, second son of Piers 8th Earl of Ormond.

Saturday, 3 November 2012

Butlers of Co. Wexford- Ch. 3: Edward Butler of Kayer

Edward Butler of Kayer, eldest son and heir of Pierce Butler of Kayer (son of Richard Butler 1st Viscount Mountgarrett) was born circa 1577- “The Peerage of Ireland -1798” [1]stated Edward was 22 years of age at his father’s death 4/30 June 1599, and married. [2] On inheriting the lands of Kayer, he rebuilt and restored the ancient Castle, and added a mansion house to it in 1599. He succeeded also in increasing the extent of the Butler holdings by granting mortgages to the Irish landowners in the Duffry and foreclosing when they were unable to redeem the mortgages.[3] He was regarded as one of the principal citizens of Co. Wexford, and is described as of Kayer and Moneyhore in the barony of Bantry Co Wexford.

On 15 August 1597, Edward’s father Pierce made a deed of enfeoffment of his estates to his use for life, and then to his son and heir Edward. [4]

5 July 1608, Edward was a member of the Grand Panel for the County Wexford. [5]

On 13 August 1611, he was admitted to Grays Inn London.[7]"Grays Inn Admission Register 1521-1887, folio 655- Edward Butler of Monehore Ireland Esq., son and heir of Peter B., second son of Richard B. Viscount Mountgarrett."This was at the very mature age of 34 years.

Edward married Catherine Masterson before 1599, a daughter of Sir Richard Masterson, Seneschal of Wexford and Constable of Ferns Castle.

The Masterson Family of County Wexford

Richard Masterson was the son of Thomas Masterson, a man of great power in Wexford. This was an alliance of great benefit to both families, politically, allying the established ‘Old English’ family closely related to Ormond, with the upwardly rising and powerful ‘New English’ family appointed by the Crown. The Mastersons were a Protestant family.

Thomas Masterson, from Wichmalbank in Cheshire arrived in Ireland in 1564 and was appointed sheriff of Kilkenny in 1568 before his appointment as Constable of Ferns Castle in Scarawalsh Barony, north Wexford in 1569. A descendant of Robert Masterson whose landholdings there dated back to the time of Edward I, his father also called Thomas, married Margery, daughter and co-heir of Roger Mainwaring, escheator of Cheshire. Thomas (junior), the second oldest son in the family of six sons and four daughters, was, like many other second sons, obliged to choose a military career and seek his fortune overseas. Having been appointed constable of Ferns castle, Masterson also purchased the abbey lands of Ferns in March 1569. He pursued his predecessor’s aggressive policy against the Kavanaghs and took possession of the abbey lands, despite opposition from the Kavanaghs.”[8]

Masterson was appointed constable of Ferns with seneschal authority throughout northern Wexford in February 1569. As usual he was immediately armed with a commission to execute martial law throughout the area. He did not waste time. In June 1569 he attacked Maurice Duff Kavanagh, the leader of the Donal Reagh Kavanaghs, and his followers. Twenty three of the clansmen were killed, including Maurice who was reportedly slain by Masterson's own hand. This brutal assault set out the basic pattern of Masterson's rule in the region.

His authority was greatly increased when he was formally appointed seneschal of the liberty of Wexford as well as the north Wexford clans in 1573.

This policy led to the Kavanagh’s support of the Butlers in the 1569 Rebellion. At the time, this Barony was in control of the powerful Irish clans- the Kavanaghs (Kings of Leinster), the O’Morchoes, O’Birnes and O’Tooles, who were harassing and pillaging any English settlement in their lands. Thomas Masterson was appointed High Sheriff of the County in 1570 and then Seneschal of the County. He was granted and acquired vast areas of land in the north, including Ferns Castle, Abbey and Manor, and would continue to increase his holdings.

Ferns Castle

Sir Nicholas Malbie wrote to Walsingham in 1579:

“Thomas Masterson did distinguished service in the north of the County bringing the Kavanaghs to order and obedience.”[9]

His reputation was one of brutality and severe punishments meted out to Irish clans who indulged in rebellious behaviour in his jurisdiction.

Thomas Masterson was married to Catherine or Cecily Clere.

“One of the legendary traditions credited by the neighbouring peasantry repeated by the author of a ‘Tour in Ireland’ published in 1748. “It is told”, says the writer, “that this Castle (viz. Ferns) once belonged to Catherine de Clare (Hore’s note 1- wife of Sir Thos Masterson, Constable of Ferns Castle in 1569. She married him about the year 1542. Her surname is properly written Cleere and pronounced Clair. H.P.Hore’s MSS), who for many years, committed most horrid murders here under the countenance of friendship, hospitality, and good-nature. She would invite several of the rich inhabitants, in order to entertain them, and when they were in their mirth and jollity, sink them through a trap-door, and cut their throats!””[10]

Thomas Masterson died in 1590 (in England) and was replaced by his son Sir Richard Masterson of Ferns, also appointed Seneschal of the County.

Sir Richard Masterson was married (secondly) to Joan Butler (b.c.1600) dau of Richard Butler 3rd Viscount Mountgarrett. (She married 2nd Sir Philip Paulet of Garrylough co. Wexford with issue, and died 1633, her husband dying in 1636- Burkes Peerage 106th Ed. However, according to some sources, Joan Butler died in 1639, murdered by her third husband John Butler. Lord Dunboyne has this marriage added to his Mountgarrett Pedigree No. 14- The Butler Society; also mentioned in Art Kavanagh's Landed Gentry and Aristocracy Kilkenny, Vol 1, 2004, page 65 note 148)

Sir Richard Masterson was married firstly to Mable Barnewall, daughter of Sir Christopher Barnewall of Turvey, Sheriff of Dublin (a.1560 d. 1607) and Marian Sherie or Sherle or Shallon. Mable was born c.1570-80, and as she was Sir Richard’s first wife (and much older than his second wife), she would have been the mother of Catherine Masterson who married Edward Butler of Kayer.

Sir Richard Masterson died in 1627 and“left four co-heiresses, who married Nicholas Devereux of Balmagir; Edward Butler of Clough-ne-Gair, Baron of Kayer, who built circa 1599 the house of Kayer; another married Robert Shee of Upper Court Co. Kilkenny; and the youngest married Walter Synnott of Rosegarland, Esq.”[11]

Philip Hore’s “History of the Town and County of Wexford” pub 1910 -Volume 6 has the following information of Thomas Masterson, his son Sir Richard Masterson and Sir Nicholas White, all Seneschals of County Wexford:

In records dated 1581 (HH73/VI), the following description of a dispute between Thomas Maisterson and Sir Anthony Colclough was reported:

Letter of Sir Henry Wallop on dispute between Colclough and Masterson refers to Mr Cokeley (ie. Colclough) as 'an Inglishe man the best of that Contrye...Cokeley is a man of great welth and lyvng & hath no entertainment I (i.e. without salary or fee) 'Masterson hath nothing but his entertainment from the Prynce. Such ambytyon I generally find between oure fewe Inglysshe that inhabit here as no two of then can dwell 20 myles of each other can agree together, although they had nothing when they came hither they accompt themselves great personages, and. eche endeavors to make his profytt without regard of servyce.’ (HV 73/VI)

Nicholas Furlong’s book “History of County Wexford” p 62 states: “In 1557, Murrough was seized and executed by the Lord Deputy, the Earl of Sussex. The executed King of Leinster was the last to be recognized as king by the English Crown.Thereafter the MacMurrough ruling family, as Nicholls recorded, ‘were brought under the authority of the Crown, especially by the ruthlessConstable of Ferns, Thomas Masterson, who put many of them to death’.

Hore Vol 6 P44- Between March and June 1569 Thomas Masterson a Cheshire gentleman, was appointed Constable of Ferns.

P46 1570 Amongst others, the charges and complaints made against Sir Thos Masterson in his administration and rule over the northern part of the County was that of having levied and assessed upon the neighbouring septs of the Kavanaghs an undue proportion of spearmen, or “spars”, as they were called, for “his owne will and pleasure”, over and above the propertion of 120 spearmen allowed by the assessment on that part of the County.

Note 3- Masterson was appointed High Sheriff of the County (as well as Constable of Ferns) Michaelmas 1570, 12 Eliz Mem Rolls Ire:12 Eliz. Memb 103. He was knighted in 1588.

“Captain Thos Masterson begs to have a lease in reversion of the Castle of Ferns, and other lands which he now hath in lease at the value of £10 Irish, a year, and in the Irish quarters which lease he bought for his money.” Note 3 Sir Anthony Colclough Knt, Sir Nicholas Heron, Knt, and Richard Synnott, Esq, were all predecessors to Masterson as farmers of the Castle Masterson bought Synnot’s lease.

Thos Masterson for ffernes hath:- for the remayne of his wages 31 June 1571, all deductions made to that date as by the Reckoning book appeareth £119 18s 2d; For the wages of 10 horsemen @ 9d le peece p diem for 268 daies from 1 July 1571 to 25 March 1572- £151 10s 0d; Prestes (ie. payments on account) in England Feb a 1572- £148 2s 2 ½ d; And so remaineth cleare dew with £26 3s 10d Dew to divers persons £162 5s 11 ¾ d.

P52-53- In a “note of such as have Suits” or petitions, presented to the Privy Council in England (SP Irel Q Eliz vol 38 no 66 PROL), 1572-73, we find:

“Thos Masterson. It is desired in his behalf that whatsoever lands, ceasse, (ie cess or tax) or services doth belonge to and hath bene heretofore properly appointed to belong to the Castell of ffernes be not in any wise suffered to be leased, but to remayne to him whilst he shall have the Kepinge of the said Castell, and so to remayne from tyme to tyme to him that shall have the keeping of the Castell. (On July 3, 1572, H.M. granted to Edmond Darcie, gent, the Castle and Manor of Ferns in reversion for 30 years from Sept 13, 1579, and in 1583 granted them to Sir Thos Masterson for 60 years.)

And where (as ) the sd Masterson hath the ground lease of other things not belonging to the Castle of which Henry Davells hath a parte (certain years of the sd lease being yet to come) it is desired in that case that Masterson may have a Lease in reverson for 21 years of his parte. ( note 2- in this year 1573, the Council in Ireland suggested that Msterson should be made Seneschal of the Co. Wexford for life, but H.M. would only grant it during good behaviour (Pat. And Close Rolls Q Eliz 16th year, e D 11-16 PROD), and she did so grant it on 11th Dec 1574- viz, as Seneschal pf all her Manors and lands in the County and Liberty during good behaviour, with a fee of £20. See Fiant no. 2, 401.)

Henry Davells. Doth desire likewise that he may have a lease in Reverson for 21 yeres of those parcels that he presently hath in possession being parte of the ground lease above mentioned.

In 1575 we find that , by the energy and firmness of Masterson, he had reduced the Kavanaghs about Ferns to order and obedience. Richard Synnott had been appointed over another branch of that sept in the Murrowes.

“The O’Murroes an other race of the Cavanaghs are under the rule of one Richard Sinet in indifferent good order, obedient, and shall pay their rent and service.

That race of the Cavanaughes that dwell about ffernes by the good pollecy and rule of Thos Masterson, Constable of the same, are willing and redie to yeld all rentes and services due to H.M.”

The leases of these lands would bring the seneschals such as Masterson into conflict with the clanes under their rule who also claimed ancestral ownership of these lands. Masterson used his commissions of martial law extensively throughout the 1570’s to enforce his ownership, executing and terrorising the Irish clans into submission, enforcing his ownership of crown land in the area, and enforcing the payment of various tributes, rents, etc.

P57- 1579- “Memo of Sums paid to Richard Masterson and the Captains of his Band, June 1579 (SP Irel, June 1579 vol 67, no 17 PROL)

“To be answered by the Country for 1000 allowances at 1d p diem for every allowance for 8 months at 30 days to the month, beginning the 1 of Oct, 1578- £1000; More for 9 pecks oates @ 10d the peck £375; Sum= £1375.

Ie. Paid to Mr Masterson as appeareth by this Bill £687 10s. to Mr Masterson owt of the Co. of Kildare £2 13 s 4d.

To Mr Masterson owt of the Co. Kilkenie £62 5s 2 d.

To Mr Masterson owt of the Co. Aphally £19 11s 4d.

Paid by the Gentry of the Co. of Wexford to him £70.

To Mackworth, fisher and furres (the Captains of the garrisons)- £574 13s

Ringtonhis Lieutenant £25 13s 4d

Received by the said Richd Masterson and the said Captens £1058 19s 6 ½ d

And so remaineth unpaid £316 os 5 ½ d

Total £1375 st.

P59-Masterson did distinguished service in the north of the County in bringing the Kavanaghs to order and obedience. His success and the capable administration he showed appear to have excited the jealousy of Sir Henry Harrington and others who petitioned for some of his livings. The following commendatory letter of Masterson’s services from Sir Nicholas Malbie is dated July 1579:

“Ryght Hon ble- It ys gyven out by som here that Sir Henry Harrington doth intend to make sewte in Ingland for certain Livings which Mr Masterson now hathe and hathe derely bought both with his redy money and with losse of his bloode at many services during the space of 30 yeres spent in this land, and this is all the Living he hath, and findeth greate greefe that Mr Harrington should so deale (yf yt be trewe) your Honor may be infourmed of Mr Harringtons services of Sundry in the Court. He is honest and as Valiant as any ys in this Land, and albeit Mr Harrington hath deserved well, yet ys Mr Mastersons serviceof more continuance and of that credit as all men here so thinke him wourthie to have the preferment of his owne before any other. He hath many yeres yet to come (ie. he hath a lease for many years, etc.). I beseech yr Honor that yf any suche thing be or shalbe intended you will have a care to Mr Masterson for whom also I assure myself Mr Tresorer will put to his best helpe. The Gentleman, fearing the matter, was fully determined to have repaired into Ingland, but now this traytor (James fitzMaurice) ys come into the Land he had rather lose his Lyffe and Lyving than to be myssing at this service and ys evyr thought a most necessary officer to be stayed. I send your Honor herein the names of the parcelles which Mr Masterson doth now possess- viz- The Manor of fernes, Cloghamon, and the Abbaye of fernes. Now your Honor doth und’stand the matter I trust you wilbe careful for the Gentleman, and so with remembrance of my hon’ble dewty I pray God to prosper all your doings. Dublin 24 July 1579.

Yo’r Honors most bounden

Sd Nichs Malbie

P60- On Jan 21, 1580, Sir William Pelham, Lord Justice and Chief Governor of Ireland, visited the Castle of Ferns, staying there that night. The next day he wrote to the Mayor of Waterford, and went on to Wexford.

The Kavanaghs in the north of the County having again broken out into rebellion, devastated and preyed many farms and homesteads belonging to Masterson and his tenants, Colclough of Tintern was deputed by the Lord Deputy to treat and make peace with them. He (Colclough) complained to the Council of Masterson’s underhand dealings with the Kavanaghs, and so disagreements and jealousies arose. Sir Nicholas White also complains of Masterson, and says he hanged some of the Kavanaghswho were under protection, “which has caused their kinsmen (to make) “a foul stir in Leinster.” This, and making terms and agreements with those “out in rebellion” for his own advantage, were the principal accusations against Masterson. Both Colcough and Masterson were accused of having had surreptitious and traitorous dealings with rebels- Colcough with the Kavanaghs, who were continually fomenting disturbances, and Masterson with the O’Birne Clan, who were ever raiding and robbing. It would seem both these Governors had spies and informers against each other. There was rally not much to choose between them in the manner in which they dealt with the rebel septs. They were both grasping for power, trying to ingratiate themselves into the good favour of the Lord Deputy, and jealous of each other. The evidence of capable and just management, such as it is, is in favour of Masterson. With regard to espionage, it was recommended early in 1580 by Sir Henry Sydney in a letter to Lord Grey, the new Lord Deputy, counselling him by “all means to get spies,” as so much advantage was found to arise from the employment of these contemptible informers, and recommends Thomas Masterson for this service ( not as a spy, but for the procuring and employing them), concluding as a postscript, “ and once more, my Lord, I praye you to be good to Thomas Masterson. He is one of the antienteste followers I had there, and one that hathe been of longest acquaintance with me. You shall finde him Valiant, of greate experience, and a very good Borderer.”

P61- the following letter give us a view of the steps taken by Masterson to suppress the sept of Arte Boy. It would appear that some of the Clan Kavanagh were under Lord Ormond’s protection, unknown to Masterson, who killed many of them. (Ormond was related to them through his mother)

Edward Waterhouse to Walsingham dated April 24, 1580:

“ Thomas Masterson Seneschal of the County of Wexford hath of late slaine of the Cavanaghs 40 verie loose and bad people, but the worst called Donagh Spaniard (because he was brought up in Spaine with Stewkelie) escaped. (proper name Donald Spaniagh McDonagh McCahir Kavanagh of Clonmullin, gent- great- great-grandson of Art Boy Kavanagh King of Leinster d. March 12, 1631). He hath made complynt to my Lord Ormond upon whose word and protection he affirmith that his whole Company depended, and in truthe I perceive that the Erle is so extremlie greaved as he wold have Masterson to answer it with his life. He hath complained thereof to my Lord Justice. His Lordship hath referred it to the Lord Keeper (of the Privy Seal) to consult hereon. Ffeagh McHeugh, a bad member of the O’Birnes and neer allied to these Cavanaghes latelie slaine, hath threatened spoiles to Masterson in revenge, but a peace is taken betwene them for 13 daies, in which meane tyme Sir Henry Harrington will I suppose take order for the good behavior of ffeagh McHeugh.”

(NB Continues with other letters including one from Masterson to Sir F. Knolleys re the incident p62, and lists all acts of robbery etc committed by the Kavanaghs on pp 64-68)

In 1580, Thomas Masterson attacked Clonmullen, killing 40 of the Kavanaghs and their retainers, not in battle but captured, hanged, drawn and quartered as their families looked on. Donal Spainneach of Clonmullen escaped the carnage and his reprisal was furious. With 200 men he spread mass destruction over a wide ranging area attacking settlers, destroying their properties, seizing their horses and cattle. Masterson attributed 49 raids over a three year period to Donal. Donal submitted in 1600 and died in 1632.

P78 On Feb 11, 1582, the Queen granted Masterson a lease for 60 years of the lands of Ferns etc. on account of “his longe, true, and faithful service.” Her letter is addressed to the Archbishop of Dublin (Loftus). She also granted on Feb 19 a general pardon to the Mastersons, Synnotts and Cleres (Fiant no 3828.

Note 5 Masterson was to hold office during behaviour, but was not to be removed on change or alteration of Governors.

P81- On November 11, 1583 the Queen granted to Thomas Masterson on a 60 years’ lease the Castle and Manor of Ferns; 240 acres arable and pasture, and 120 of wood in the town (Vil) aforesaid; 60 acres arable and 60 wood, both in Ballymacshane and Ballyrannell; and all the rents, customs, and services of the countries called Edmond Duff’s, McVadock’s and McAmore’s. She also granted him on the 20th the site etc. of the late Abbey or Monastry of Ferns, with all the structures and houses within that site, together with the parcels of lands in Ballinmote, Abbots-Garran, Monaghan, and other places in the County, for the term of 60 years. The Lease of Fiant is dated Feb 11 1584, no 4242, and states he is to continue to hold for 30 years after the end of his present lease. Rent £10.

Lessee or other able man is to dwell in the Castle, which is to be sufficiently furnished for its defense and that of the country; states that this grant is in consideration of his good services , and to encourage his sons to continue in their father’s steps. Sir Thomas Masterson (knighted in 1588) died in August 1590.

Whereas the memory in the Warres at Bolloyn (Boulogne), and also served your Highnes brother King Edward VI in Scotland, and sithence for the space of 34 years past hath served in Ireland as a Capten with charge there, and hath been diversely hurte and wounded in Service, as is notoriously known: besides the losse of two of his brethren in Service, the one killed in Scotland and the other slaine in Ireland, and throught the late rebellion in Ireland hath been spoiled sondry times by the rebells of his goods and cattales (chattels) of the value of £1000 st to his great impoverishment, that it may the rather please your most gracious Highnes in regard of this his long service, hurts and losses, and that hitherto he hath not bben any craver for consideration of his desert, and being now driven in olde age, to bestow on him of your aboundant grace and clemencie an estate in reversion for 60 years of so muche of your Majesty’s lands and hereditaments in Ireland as are of the yearly value of £60 st to be assured to your Suppliant, wheresoever he shall chuse the same in the said Realme for his better enhabling and maintenance and relief of his decay, and to the furtherance and in his encouragement in your Highnes Services hereafter, which he voweth for his habilitie to accomplish most dewtifullie to the utmost of his power with adventure of life and spence (spending) of all his lands and goods.

And your said subject with all obedience of boundless dewtie shall incessantly pray to the Almightie for the conservation of your most Royall estate long over your Subjects triumphantly to raigne with all ffelicitie.”

Unsigned

Beyond being made a knight, the Queen did nothing for him and two years later he was dead.

Signatures of Thomas and Richard Masterson

(Hore's History)

P96-Richard Masterson succeeded his father, Sir Thomas, in the Constableship, and also became a knight and Seneschal of the County. He was appointed Sheriff of Ferns district in his father’s lifetime (MRH 27 Eliz 1584) PROD- He was in the service of Sir Henry Wallop in 1583.) Sir Henry Wallop was much averse to the continuance of the office of Seneschal. He wrote to Lord Burghley Aug 15 1590 (SPIrel vol 154, n07):

“…. I have in my experience seene the inconvenience that hath growen by those Seneschalshipps, and therefore I humbly beseech your Lordship if yt may be, there maie hereafter be no such needless officer there. Haplie his eldest son may be a Sewter for yt, but I knowe him and all his brothers to be yong, rash, and not well governed, and therefore unfit to have charge in soch a kind, and by the putting away that office H.M. shall save £20 by the year.”

P 97 In 1595-96 the depredations of Feagh McHugh O’Bryne of the Rannelaghs, co Wicklow, and his accomplices were on such a scale in the north of the County that Sir Richard Masterson and other gentlemen applied for assistance from the Lord Deputy, Sir William Russell, who leaving his camp at Money, Shillelagh, 8 miles from Newtown, on April 22, 1595, rode to the Castle of Ferns where his lordship rested the night.

P 98-99- On Oct 14, 1596, a certificate was sent to the Lord Deputy and Council from the gentlemen of the Birnes country, Wexford, and Dublin, showing the importance of the prosecution of Feagh McHugh- they state unless Feagh and his accomplices are rooted out they “may look for nothing but the loss of our lands and livings, and the rooting US out and OUR properity for ever.”

Signed by Richard,John and Nicholas Masterson, W. and Nic Synnote, Wm. And Robert Rauseter (Rossiter), John Roche, Piers Butler, (and others).

P99- In 1597, Sir Richard Masterson, while Seneschal and Constable of Ferns was accused of being in collusion with some of the followers of the late Fiach McHugh (killed in May of this year), and fostering the rebellious Kavanaghs, making his own terms with the rebels (some of whom were under his protection), who preyed upon the Queen’s liege subjects. Ferns is described as a hotbed of thieves and rogues, who revelled at tables under the very walls of Ferns Castle; and Masterson is accused ofreleasing known robbers and traitors on his own responsibility. Note 1 SP Irel 1597 vol 201 no 155 PROL “an abstract of severall Depositions concerning Sir Richard Masterson, Kt, Seneschal of the Co. of Wexford, taken before several persons during the Lord Burgh’s Government in AD 1597.)

As a contradiction to this accusation we have evidence that Sir Richard took every opportunity afforded by the information of spies and retainers to cut off parties of this predatory clan. By the Journal of the Lord Deputy we find Masterson effected good service against the Fiach (McHugh) in April 1597. He brought in to the Lord Deputy one day 12 heads of that rebel’s followers, besides 7 prisoners taken at the same time, whom he committed to Wexford Castle, but on investigation of the accusations he was released almost immediately. We find letters of pardon 39 Eliz 1597, granted to Richard Masterson, Constable of Ferns, and his brothers Nicholas and John of Cloghamon. (Pat Rot. 39 Eliz, and Fiant no 6160 Nov 14, 1597)

P111- The King orders a grant under letters patent to be made to Sir Richard Masterson and his heirs of the lands of Cloghamon, alias Farrinhamon; Ballyconnoe, alias Baronscourt; the 2 Abbeys of Fernes and Downe, with their belongings; and of the duties etc. belonging to the Kilshellaghs and other lands, and all other lands which he ahd his father held, or he now holds (at £30 a year rent, and 10 pecks of corn at 16d the peck), not formerly granted to Lord Audley (ie Castlehaven). Premises to be held “in free and common socage as of the Castle of Wexford, and not in capite, at the same rent paid these 40 years past.”

P112- In 1611 when the scheme for the “plantation” of the County of Wexford waith British “undertakers” was being carried out; and when the King’s title to the lands of the Kinshelaghs and O’Morrows was established, Sir Richard Masterson with many other proprietors, both native and English, surrendered their lands, and received them again under letters patent from the King. The following is a list of the lands services and customs held and enjoyed by Sir Richard Masterson in the north of the County at the date of his surrender (Pt Roll No 40 Oct 1 9 Jac I):- (gives a list of 36 townlands, and then lists all sheep, beef oats kern etc.

P113 King James I granted the Manors of Ferns, Clohamon, and Cloghleskin to Sir Richard Masterson by Patents dated June 7 , 7th year (1610 and Dec 15 13th year (1615) Ferns Manor was to have 1000 acres in demesne Masterson to have power to create tenures, to hold Courts Leet (a Court of Record) and Baron (not of record), to hold a Tuesday market and a yearly fair on St. Bartholomew’s Day Aug 24, except when it falls on a Saturday or Sunday, when the fair is to commence on Monday, with a court of pie-powder (see Vol 5 p103), and the usual tolls; rent 13s 4d Irish.

Clohamon to have the like demesne and privileges, to have a Thursday market and a yearly fair on the Feast of St Barnaby June 11, with the same exception and rent.

Cloghleskin Manor the same. To hold for ever as of the Castle of Dublin in common socage.

Vol 6 Ch XXII- P445-6

(A report and letters about a skirmish in 1598):

“Richard Masterson is hurt and two of the Morffyes….” Dated 20 May 1598

“there are likewise many of them slayne, amongst which , one Leonard Colcloghe, the second son of Anthony Colcloghe was cruelly slayne, and his elder brother Sir Thomas Colcloghe sorewounded in two places of his arme, after that his horse was slayne under him,…

p.457- About this time a project was started by the Lord Deputy, and approved by the King for the resettlement of the northern part of the County. It embraced the surrender of their titles to their lands by the Irish proprietors, regrants by Patent being made to them, and a proposal to mix with them “certain civil and well affected people” for the security of the country, those people being bound to build castles and townships etc. in such places as might be thought fit.

P461; “ In this project it is desirable to consider those persons whom H.M. may think fit to be planted. First Natives, and others of English birth who have acquired some parcels from natives and so become already colourably interested and seated there, who are to be placed for the most part on the plain grounds and mixed with English for the better civilising that people. Secondly British and servitors of ability to plant, who are to have their seats and chief places of habitation for the most part upon the Mountains and Fastnesses aforesaid, in which places Castles of houses of strength, framed and composed of lime and stone, are to be built by them for the better securing of these Territories to H. M. and suppressing the licentious liberty of the neighbours aforesaid.

It is thought fit that none of these Natives of Inhabitants to be made freeholders shall have above 1000 acres, except some few who hold now by defective patents and are to be re-settled, or considered of answerable, in a reasonable manner, to the quantities contained in their patents, and except Sir Richard Masterson, who hath already acquired great quantity of land there, and is to be extra-ordinarily considered of, and except Walter Synnott, who pretended (to have) a lease of certain supposed chief rents and exactions in the Murrowes, and whose father had got certain parcels of land in these territories from the intruders; nor any to have under 120 acres, according to the measure of 21 foot to the perch, unpasturable woods, barren mountain, and bogg, only excepted.

That the freeholders of 1000 acres shall pay £6 6s 8d yearly rent to H.M. and the residue of lesser quantities rateably according to acreage. That the freeholders of 1000 acres build within 4 years a stone house upon his land. Etc.

The freeholders to make estate of 21 years or for 3 lives to their under-tenants, and each to cohabit and build together in “Townreeds”. Each of the Undertakers and Servitors to be of “the Religion” and to take the oath of Supremecy and allegiance. They are to number 24 at least, whereof some are to have 1500 acres, some 1000, and some 500 acres. Etc.

P463- And for that Sir Richard Masterson, partly by letters Patent, and partly by other acquisition, is likely to hold great quantities of land within these territories, I think fit that he build 3 Castles for the security thereof in such places as shall be appointed by the Lord Deputy, and also do make such convenient number of Natives fee farmers as shall be thought fit by the L.D.

The Lord Deputy, Chichester, visited the County and inspected some of the lands in the north, interviewing several principal owners, in the month of July 1612. He was 21 days in the County- from July 9 to 29.

P119- Sir Richard Masterson died in 1627, without leaving male issue, and Edward the son of Robert Masterson, of Ardtroman became the next heir, and was nine years of age at that time. His wardship was granted to Lord Esmonde, who brought an action of intrusion against certain parties in May 1634.

Note 2- Edward Masterson was grandson of Nicholas Masterson, brother to Sir Richard. Nicholas married 1st the heiress of ___ Roche of Ardtroman, now Artramont, in the Barony of Shelmalier, and 2nd Armistace, daughter of Rawcetor of Rathmacknee. She was the grandmother of the ward. Lord Esmonde writes about him to Lord Dorchester, Secretary of State, from “Limbricke 12 March 1630- states the ward “is a child of some 12 years old, without father, mother, or friends to support him, and if he has now in his mynoritye to goe to the common lawe (to prove his title_ he will be utterly ruined. His dead father left the trust of the child to me, and I have bread him up att scoole in my house this fowre years paste relygiouslye, and will this next somer send him to the College, if it please God.”

P 123- Edward Masterson and his son Robert forfeited their Estates by Cromwell and were transplanted to Connaught on June 5, 1656 and had 900 acres set out to them there. P122- his rebel activites outlined in a Deposition.

Sir Richard Masterson of Ferns left four co-heiresses, who married Devereux of Balmagir, Edward Butler of Clough-ne-gair, Baron of Kayer, who built circa 1599, the house at Kayer (now called Wilton); another married ___ Shee, of Upper Court, Co. Kilkenny; and the youngest, Walter Synnot of Rosegarland, Esq.

“The Grand Panel of the county of Wexford, as it was returned in the general sessions holden before Sir James Ley, Knight, Lord Chief Justice of the King’s Bench, in Ireland, and Robert Oglethorpe, Esq.; Second Baron of the Exchequer in Ireland, justices of assize and jail delivery in the county of Wexford, the 25th of July 1608:Edward Butler of Clonkeraigh (ie. Kayer), Mathew Furlonge of Daviestown, Thomas Scurloh of the Balgan, Severaigh O’Doyrane of the Chaple. Dowloun McMoigh of Ballegobbane, Dermot Ower McMoigh of the same, Edmond McArte of Bolebann, Arte McBren of Tample Wodekann, Teg McMorrishe Ley of Killovany, Caier McEdmond of Rathepadenboy.

26 July 1611, a Schedule of trees marked for H.M. in the woods of Leinster near the river of Slane and Barrow, by virtue of a warrant from the Lord Deputy, dated 17th July 1611, was published- [13]

On the list were:

Edward Butler’s woode called Killaghran 252 trees (3 miles from the Waterside);

and James Butler’s woode called Ballymcluky (Ballmacluky) 105 trees (4 miles from waterside).

(ie James Butler of Bealaboro, brother of 3rd Viscount Mountgarret.)

(NB. unable to determine who Capt. Butler refers to. There are several possilities- he may be a Mountgarrett; or possibly Theobald Butler, Viscount Butler, known as Captain Butler,[14] son and heir of Sir Edmond Butler of Cloghgrenan co Carlow (2nd son of the 9th Earl of Ormond), 1586-1613 d.s.p.- crea. Viscount 1602, married Elizabeth dau of Thomas Butler 10th Earl of Ormonde and was involved in the attack on Enniscorthy in the Mountgarrett/O’Neill Rebellion. T. Blake Butler has “Captain James Butler’s called Cromgarre 560 trees”, but then quotes Hore Vol 6 p373 which only has “Captain Butler”; or, maybe Edward’s brother Thomas Butler of Enniscorthy and Ballinure; or one of the sons of Pierce Butler of Old Abbey, ancestor of the Galmoy line (son of Thomas 10th Earl of Ormond) who owned lands in the Fassagh Bantry.

In 1611, the King introduced a scheme to resettle the northern part of Co. Wexford. It embraced the surrender of their titles to their lands by the Irish proprietors, and re-grants by Patent being made to them, and a proposal to mix with them “certain civil and well affected people” for the security of the country, those people being bound to build castles and townships etc., in such places as might be thought fit.[15]

On 7 Dec 1611, King’s letter to LD (Lord Deputy) to receive the surrender from Edward Butler of Kayer Co Wexford of his estates and to make a new grant to him of the Barony of Kayer.[16]

On 11 December 1611 Surrender and re-grant to Edward Butler of the barony of Kayer Co Wexford. [17]

Hore’s book lists the Manors created by the King in the north of the County. They were all to be held in common soccage, as of the Castle of Dublin, at various rents, with powers to hold inferior Courts and to create tenures: [18]

NB. All other estates were much smaller, being in the hundreds of acres only.

9 February 1616 - Grant to Edward Butler of Kaire Co Wexford Esq. of the manor of Kaire als Clonekairagh etc. with licence to create the manor of Kaire with 2000 acres in desmeasne and to hold Courts Leet and Courts Baron with free warren and park not exceeding 500 acres. [19]

Inquisitions taken in the County Wexford dated 1 July 1615, 17 April 1617, 25 March 1617 and 30 October 1621 give details of his lands and settlements made by him.

In Scarawalsh, the biggest holdings belonged to Edward Butler of the manor of Kayer in the barony of Bantry. An inquisition taken in 1617 showed ‘the town and lands of Glanderick, Monglas, Kiltrea, half of Caim, and the woods of Aughrim (Killaughram) are in the possession of Edward Butler and his heirs’. In 1640, Butler was still in possession of most of these lands extending in all to 1,470 acres, but part of them had been lost to Dudley Colcough.”[20]

(NB. These lands were in the area of Scarawalsh known as “the Duffrey”, which would be held by the Colclough family for a long period.)

19 May and 15 November 1616, Edward was defendant and plaintiff in two suits in the Court of Chancery arising from disputes between the Butlers and Barrons about the terms of the marriage settlement of his sister Ellen/Eleanor to Edmond Barron als FitzGerald of Brownsford Co. Kilkenny.[21] Edmond was one of the few gentry in Co Kilkenny who took a prominent part in the proceedings of the Catholic Confederation in 1642, signing the petition of the Catholics of Ireland to the King in July that year, his wife Ellen/Eleanor being cousin to the President of the Confederates, Richard 3rd Viscount Mountgarrett. Edmund born 1591 died bef. 1664. [22]

The Calendar of State Papers Relating to Ireland has a petition concerning Monglas: [23]

Petition of Sir Edward Fisher, Knt., to the Lord Deputy to prevent the passing of the village Monglas, being his property to Edward Butler, he having become possessed of it through being his tenant and refusing to pay rent, and now intends to pass it as his own lands, with the following order by the Attorney-General:-

The King’s learned Council are required to take notice hereof, and not to suffer the parcells above mentioned to be passed unto any person whatsoever until they shall give us notice thereof, and shall receive out further direction in that behalf.

Copy. Signed at head. Endd. Add.

As Monglas continued to remain in the hands of the Butlers as shown in the 1641 Civil Survey, Fisher’s petition must have been unsuccessful.

In 1618, Edward’s arms and pedigree were registered by Daniel Molyneux Ulster King-at-Arms in “A Visitation begun in the County Wexford in 15 April.”

Burkes General Armory gives the armes there recorded as follows “Butler of Clonkeragh, Barons of the Kaire Co Wexford descended from Pierce Butler, Baron of the Kaire, second son of the 1st Viscount Mountgarret. Visitation Wexford 1618. The same Arms and crest as the house of Ormond.

Hore has- “Parish of Edermine- 1618- these lands were granted to Edward Butler of Kaire, Esq.,” [25] – however, on another page Hore has- “Manors created- Edermine to Nicholas Kenney. 200 acres demesne– see Parish of Edermine” [26]; though notably, Edward’s son Pierce was in possession of Edermine in the 1641 Civil Survey.

17 February 1619-Commissioners appointed for the Co Wexford for the collection of the Cess (land tax) for 5 Baronies Edward Butler of Kaire.

18 February 1619/20- Commissioners to the above and power of attorney to deliver the Cess into the Chancery of Ireland. [27]

An order made 1559- temps Edward VI (note 1559 was Eliza Edward VI ob 6 July 1553), that Philip’s grandfather should have certain in the manor of Cahir but that the rest of the manor belonged to Sir Richard Butler (1st Viscount Mountgarret), who had a commission to mear(?) said lands which he did in 1559. Now Edward Butler son and heir (?) of the said commissioner Esq. has of late encroached within the ancient bounds and mears and takes profit of a great portion of land belonging to Suplt., Begs writ, being unable through Butler position to obtain justice by common law.

(Comment- this illustrates the power held by even the relatives of the Ormond and Mountgarret lines against which ordinary citizens had no recourse.)

20 June 1623- Chancery Bill No.6086 Shows that James Furlong of Horetown enfeoffed Edward Butler of Moneyhore and Oliver Keating of Killeman/Killcowen in his estates (viz, his two brothers-in-law)

1 September 1623- Deed of release from Edward Butler of Cloneskaragh and Oliver Keating of Kilcowan Co Wexford feoffies of James Furlong of Horetown Co Wexford. [30]

23 August 1623 Edward was pardoned with William Furlong and Oliver Keating for alienations of his estates made to Philip Devereux of Ballymagir Co Wexford.[32] (viz Devereux was his cousin)

Related to the above: 23 March 1626- Pardon of an alienation made by Peter Butler, Richard Whittie, James Furlong, Oliver Keatinge and Richard Devereux, to James Dillon Earl of Roscommon, Philip Devereux, Walter Whittie and Michael Symes, of the manor of Caher, and lands in the county of Wexford.[33]

And, 23 March 1626- Pardon of several alienations made by William Furlong, Edward Butler, Oliver Keatinge, and others, to Philip Devereux, of Balymagir, in the county of Wexford.[34]

Edward’s grandson Walter Butler of Munphin had in his possession a “Relic of the Holy Cross in a Silver Case”, which he stated had been in the family’s custody since his grandfather Edward Butler’s time, supposedly brought back from Rome by Nicholas French (later Bishop of Ferns) for the use of the Cathedral Church of Ferns. The “authentic attestation from Rome with some patents and writings belonging to the family being lost in Cromwell’s time”, Walter gave a deposition to Bishop Verdon testifying to its authenticity in 1716, signing the document at his private Chapel at Munphin, witnessed by his daughter-in-law Mary. The renowned Donal Spainneach Kavanagh (Chief of his sept) of Clonmullen Co. Wexford also claimed in 1608 that the clan met on Good Friday to “make offering to a piece of wood which was of the Holy Cross, as they were made to believe. It is a relic but lately come from Rome”.The Wexford Butlers shared kinship and a close friendship with the Kavanaghs of Clonmullen and Polmonty over many generations. A record of ‘Occurrents from the Co. of Wexford’ dated June 27, 1596, stated: “One Piers Butler has sworn great friendship with Donill Spaniaghe”.(CSPI, Elizabeth I, Vol. CXC,47.II, p.544) Donal’s great granddaughter Lucy would marry Walter’s stepson Richard in 1690. Lucy’s father Col. Charles Kavanagh had fought for James II in Ireland and was killed in 1690 following his surrender at Waterford, when the ship transporting him to imprisonment in England exploded. His father Sir Morgan Kavanagh of Clonmullen, son and heir of Donal Spainneach, had led Wexford rebel forces alongside Pierce Butler in the Confederate rebellion, had been implicated in the plot to seize Dublin Castle, and was killed at the Battle of Polmonty in 1643. Nicholas French was born in Co Wexford in 1604 and studied at Louvain and appears to have been president of one of the colleges there. He was appointed as parish priest on his return to Wexford in 1640 and appointed Bishop of Ferns in 1645, taking an active part in the Kilkenny Confederate’s Assembly. His appointments were well after Edward’s death so when he is supposed to have brought the relic from Rome is uncertain but must have occurred during his younger days as a student. It may also be possible that the Holy Relic was the same as the one held by the Kavanaghs of Clonmullen which may have ended up in Edward’s safe keeping during the period when the Kavanaghs were constantly fighting with Edward’s wife’s family, the Mastersons.

“The date of Edward’s death is uncertain- according to a pedigree compiled by me years ago he died 9 September 1628; Inquisition Co Wexford dated 21 July 1629, he died 8 October 1628; Funeral Entries ADD 4820 p.145 No 483 an uncompleted entry of Butler of Co Wexford apparently referring to the year 1629 would seem to be for him.”

Edward died in 1628 and left a will (it is unknown where he was buried):[35]

(probably of the FitzHarris/FitzHenry family of nearby Mackmine, who were cousins.)

Wife Catherine survived Edward and was one of the executors of his will. [36]

June 1628- Catherine Butler als Masterson of Kayer and Peter Butler of the same-

Recognizance to perform the judgements etc of the Court of Chancery. [37]

1631 Will of Walter Cotterell- to Katherine Butler als Masterson of £100.[38]

Edward named his children in his will (Fr Clare’s will abstracts-BTR69) as Richard (his executor), Piers, Mary and Joan Butler., while “The Peerage of Ireland- 1798”[39] named the children in order Pierce, Richard, Mary and Joan. It is not known what happened to his son Richard who was named as executor. Lord Dunboyne suggests he was the Richard Butler residing in New Ross in that period of time.

Livery of the possessions of Edward Butler, late of Cayer, in the county of Wexford, to Peter, his son and heir- May 10, 5°.

Blake Butler also names an Inquisition Co Wexford [41] in which Pierce is named the eldest son and with his brother and sisters, Mary and Joan, unmarried at 21 July 1629. TBB suggests Pierce was born c 1616, on what basis is unknown. It would seem unlikely that Pierce, at the age of 12 would have inherited his father’s possessions. Also, his parents were married before 1599. I would suggest that he was born at least 10 years earlier, probably c.1600.

Second Son Richard Butler

Who on 22 March 1627 as Richard Butler fitzEdward of Kayer was a party to a deed of feoffment made by Richard Masterson of Ferns.[42] This implies that Richard was of age in 1627, which would then indicate that he and his brother Pierce were born before 1606.

Richard was named as the executor of his father’s will dated 6 Sept 1628, which is strange. It implies that Richard was the eldest son, yet other documents indicate otherwise. Unless Pierce at that time, was not in the country- possibly in England or France getting his education.

29 April 1637 Richard held lands in Fassagh Bantry Co Wexford. (NB. TBB gives reference as Hore- unable to find this entry- possibly in his Ms.)

Blake Butler states that 24 January to March 1642 Richard took part in the siege of Duncannon Fort which was commanded by Lord Esmond. He was present with his brother at the parley for its surrender.[43]Afterwards he had a buff coat shot from his body and his saddle nag taken. [44]

(NB Whether this reference referred to Richard Butler cannot be established. TBB has assumed that the petition in question refers to Pierce’s brother Richard taken from the following entry in Hore’s book :

“ ‘tis conceived that divers of the Rebels were slaine and hurt, for when, as we had beaten them off from the place where they maintained skirmish against us, we found in severall places great store of their bloud, as also a piece of Sergeant Butler’s Buff coat, which was shot from his body that day: Moreover, at the same time we took Sergeant Major Butler’s own saddle-nag, with his furniture, and one Petronell (ie a horse pistol, from the Spanish petrina, a belt round the breast in which it was carried), his rider being his brother Pierce Butler, trusting to his footmanship more than to his valour, escaped, or otherwise he had been taken, together with his horse.” [45]

This Sergeant Major may have referred to Richard as he is named with a brother named Pierce. However, another petition names a ‘Sergeant Major James Butler’ under the command of Colonel Pierce Butler.[46] It has not yet been established which branch Sgt Maj James Butler came from. It would seem unlikely that Colonel Pierce Butler’s brother would have been given such a lowly rank as Sgt. Major.

Daughters Mary and Joan

It is not known if either married or to whom. A will may refer to Edward's daughter: BTR 73, Mary Butler of Wexford, Dated “Lamas” 1653, Proved 3rd Jan 1653; brother and his two children mentioned; witnesses Margaret Sinnott and Ann Keating.Ann Keating may have been her cousin, daughter of her aunt who married Oliver Keating of Kilcowan.

The life of Edward’s eldest son Pierce Butler of Kayer will be explored in the next chapter.

[1] John Lodge & Mervyn Archdall, The Peerage of Ireland, pub 1789, Vol IV, p27; also, An Inquisition of James I, dated 24 March 1618, op.cit. “Peter died on the last day of June, 1599; Edward Butler, son and heir of the said Peter was then 22 years old and married.”

[3] Philip Hore (ed), History of the Town and County of Wexford, Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, E.C., London, 1900-1911- 6 volumes- (Compiled principally from the State Papers, The Public Records, and MSS. of the late Herbert F. Hore, Esq., of Pole Hore, in that County) Reprint 1978, Vol 6 p561 (H.F.H. Vol 46, pp30, 44)

[18] P. Hore, History…, op.cit., Vol 6, p466-468 (Published by the Record Commissioners. Imperfect. 1-16 James I. There is no index, but the date will be a guide to finding the manor.)

[19] (TBB) Cal Pat and Close Rolls 1 15 Jas I. Note Lodge Jas I Vol 3 p2 gives the date of 9 February 1617. As follows: Grant to Edward Butler of the Kaire Co Wexford of the chief rents granted temps Elizabeth to Pierce Butler with right of free warren and to impale a park not exceeding 500 acres.

[24] Sir Bernard Burke C.B. LL.D., Ulster King of Arms, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales: A Registry of Armorial Bearings from the Earliest to the Present Time, London, 1884, page 154

[45] P. Hore, History of the Town and County of Wexford, op.cit, Volume 4 Duncannon, p79-80- from a tract in the British Museum called “A Brief relation of the late Passages that happened at H.M.s Fort of Duncannon in the summer of 1642, written by Captain Thomas Aston or Ashton, who was killed in the attack on Redmond’s Hall in July of that year- dated June 8, 1642.

[46] P. Hore, History etc, op.cit, Vol 1 p310 Deposition of William Whalley who named a James Butler Sergeant Major of the Rebells, under Colonel Pierce Butler.